Love in the Depths of Time (GL) - Chapter 20

The bell for Friday night’s self-study session finally rang, and the campus gradually quieted down. Only a few dim lights flickered in the classrooms. Jia Le packed her schoolbag, feeling both nervous and excited. Today, she finally gathered her courage—she was going to confess to Lin Xi. She knew this might be the most important confession of her life, and Lin Xi was the one in her heart.

Jia Le walked out of the classroom and headed toward Lin Xi’s class along the familiar hallway. Her heart pounded wildly, and each step felt like a challenge to her own bravery. She imagined Lin Xi’s reaction upon hearing her confession—would it be surprise, shyness, or…? She didn’t dare to think further.

However, just as she was about to reach the classroom, a figure suddenly blocked her path. It was Huang Li, a classmate of hers. His eyes carried a complex emotion as he looked at Jia Le. His voice had a hint of unwillingness: “Jia Le, from the first time I saw you, I liked you. Will you be my girlfriend?”

Jia Le’s heart sank. She hadn’t expected Huang Li to show up at this moment. She tried to stay calm and spoke softly, “I’m sorry, I already told you before—I have someone I like. Please don’t bother me anymore. This isn’t good for either of us.”

But Huang Li refused to give up. He grabbed Jia Le’s hand, his voice pleading, “Wen Jia Le, please give me a chance, okay?”

Jia Le tried to pull her hand away, but his grip was too strong. She began to feel afraid, her heartbeat quickening. She didn’t know what to do and could only whisper, “Huang Li, let go of me. This is really not okay.” At that moment, a voice suddenly rang out: “Let her go!”

Jia Le looked up and saw Lin Xi standing not far away, her eyes filled with determination and anger. Lin Xi quickly walked over, stepping between Jia Le and Huang Li, shielding Jia Le with her body.

“Lin Xi…” Jia Le called out softly, her voice trembling slightly.

Lin Xi turned her head and smiled gently at Jia Le, her eyes full of warmth. “Don’t be afraid. I’m here.”

Then, she turned back to Huang Li and said firmly, “She has already rejected you. You should respect her decision.”

Huang Li was startled to see Lin Xi. His eyes flashed with surprise but quickly turned into anger. “This is between Wen Jia Le and me. Please don’t interfere.”

Lin Xi sneered, “This is a school, not your personal space. Your behavior is harassment, and it violates school rules. If you don’t let go, I will report this to the teachers.”

Huang Li froze. He hadn’t expected Lin Xi to be so firm. He glanced at Jia Le, then at Lin Xi, and finally released his grip before turning and leaving.

Lin Xi turned to Jia Le, concern filling her eyes. “Are you okay?”

Jia Le shook her head, her eyes full of gratitude. “Lin Xi, thank you.”

Lin Xi smiled softly. “No need to thank me. I’m just glad you’re okay.”

The two stood in silence for a moment. Jia Le’s heart was still racing. She didn’t know what to say or what Lin Xi was thinking. She only knew that, at this moment, she felt incredibly grateful for Lin Xi.

Lin Xi had long known about Jia Le’s breakup. When she and Jia Le reconnected, Fu Mei—who was Jia Le’s close friend and also Lin Xi’s—had already told her everything, including Jia Le’s current state.

Fu Mei had noticed Lin Xi’s special concern for Jia Le and had once said to her, “Lin Xi, Jia Le hasn’t been doing well lately. If you have time, spend more time with her.”

Lin Xi nodded, but she felt conflicted. She didn’t know the reason behind Jia Le’s breakup, but she understood that Jia Le was hurting. She had wanted to comfort Jia Le for a long time but didn’t know how to start.

Seeing someone else harass Jia Le today ignited Lin Xi’s anger. She couldn’t allow anyone to hurt Jia Le—not even a little. Jia Le had already suffered enough; Lin Xi wouldn’t let her go through more pain.

Huang Li’s persistence left Jia Le feeling unsettled. She had already been nervous about confessing, and now her emotions were overwhelmed by fear and sadness. The campus after night classes was quiet under the dim evening light. A cool breeze brushed past, making Jia Le shiver. She hugged her schoolbag tightly, standing in the corridor, feeling lost.

Lin Xi looked at Jia Le, her eyes filled with heartache. She knew that Jia Le had just gone through an emotional ordeal. The courage Jia Le had built up for her confession had been completely disrupted. Lin Xi stepped forward, gently holding Jia Le’s hand. Her voice was soft yet firm: “Jia Le, I’ll walk you home.”

Jia Le looked up at Lin Xi, her eyes filled with confusion and helplessness. Lin Xi’s presence felt like a light in the darkness, giving her a sense of support amidst her fear and sadness. She nodded slightly, her voice choking a little. “Okay.”

Lin Xi smiled and let go of her hand to pick up Jia Le’s schoolbag. Then she held Jia Le’s hand again, leading her toward the school gate. The campus lights had turned on, casting a warm glow and stretching their shadows long. Lin Xi held Jia Le’s hand tightly, as if passing her strength through the grip.

“Jia Le, don’t be afraid. I’m here.” Lin Xi spoke softly, her voice gentle yet firm.

Jia Le nodded, gratitude flashing in her eyes. She knew that Lin Xi had always been there for her. Whenever she needed her, Lin Xi would show up without hesitation.

Outside the school gates, the night had completely fallen, and the streetlights cast a soft glow over the city. They walked side by side, with Lin Xi occasionally glancing at Jia Le, concern in her gaze.

“Jia Le, are you really okay?” Lin Xi asked, her voice filled with worry.

Jia Le smiled faintly and nodded. “I’m fine, just a little shaken.”

Lin Xi sighed softly, her eyes flashing with anger. “That was too much. How could he keep bothering you like that?”

Jia Le shook her head and spoke quietly, “I’ve been wanting to make it clear to him for a while now. I just want to focus on my studies. But… I didn’t expect him to show up today. I was really scared.”

Lin Xi gently squeezed Jia Le’s hand, her eyes filled with warmth. “Jia Le, you don’t have to be afraid. No matter what happens, I’ll always be by your side. You don’t have to face these things alone.”

A warmth spread through Jia Le’s heart. She looked up at Lin Xi, her eyes full of emotion. “Lin Xi, thank you. Having you here makes me feel so safe.”

Lin Xi smiled softly. “You don’t have to thank me. This is what I should do. Jia Le, you’re not alone. You have me, Yang Sheng, Ye Zi, and Fu Mei. We’re all here for you.”

Jia Le nodded, her eyes showing newfound determination. “I know. Lin Xi, I’m really lucky to have friends like you all.”

Lin Xi gently patted Jia Le’s shoulder and smiled. “We’re friends. No matter what happens, we’ll always be here for you.”

Finally, they arrived at Jia Le’s home. Jia Le stopped and turned to Lin Xi, a trace of reluctance in her eyes. “Lin Xi, thank you for walking me home.”

Lin Xi smiled. “No need to thank me. Go inside and rest early.”

Jia Le hesitated before asking, “Do you want to come in for a while?”

Lin Xi was momentarily stunned but then shook her head. “No, I have things to do. Just rest early. Tomorrow will be a better day.”

Jia Le nodded, gratitude in her eyes. “Okay. Good night, Lin Xi.”

Lin Xi smiled gently. “Good night, Jia Le. See you tomorrow.”